No one really knows where the tarot had its origins, but the history of the tarot cards in europe seems to date back to the 14th century--to days of Marco Polo. The original teaching of the tarot is said to be based on 22 pewter plates, which made up the Major Arcana. A reading of these was used to decide when to plant crops, or to make decisions for a nation such as when to go to war. Many years later the Minor Arcana cards were added to the tarot. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, which are the basis of the playing deck we use today for card games. In the Minor Arcana we also include four more court cards called the Pages. Images on the cards are used to help understand and perform readings with the tarot. Although many countries claim to have introduced the Minor Arcana, my personal belief is that the Romany gypsies of northern europe introduced these cards to the tarot. Throughout history the gypsies have been known for their fortune-telling skills and ability to predict the future. This may be wherd the myth comes from that you cannot buy your own tarot cards. The Romany gypsies had a tradition that, when the grandmother of the group was to retire, she would pass her tools of trade on to her eldest granddaughter. Tgus the wisdom and knowledge of the tarot would pass from one generation to the next. There are many myths about the tarot which have evolved through time. Some believe that the tarot deck is very personal to the owner and should not be touched by another person. This choice remains in your hands. However I always ask my client to shuffle the cards before a reading commences. Another myth says that before using your cards you need to sleep with them under your pillow for up to a week, to personally energise them. I have found no logical reason or improvement in the ability to read cards from following this practice. It has also been said that after wrapping your cards in a purple silk scarf for protection and safe-keeping from evil spirits and unwanted energies, they should be placed in a wooden box and only used on a wooden table.

Tarot is an extremely individual practicd and belied that needs to be treated with respect for its ancient wisdom. You should allow your own feelings and desires about how and when you will perform a reading. You may like to choose a place where you believe your own personal energy is strongest and only perform readings in that particular place. You may wish to incorporate a tablecloth of your choice and burn a candle or incense to create a peaceful mood that enhances thd experience for you and the person you are performing the reading for. This is a personal choice and is not essential to performing a tarot reading. The main ingredient is a relaxed environment, wher you feel at peace with yourself. Allow plenty of time to ponder the message the cards are sharing with you. There have been many changes over time. For example, there was no reversed meaning in the original teaching of the tarot beliefs. This was only added in the 19th century. I personally do not believe in reversed meanings, as this was only introduced to make changes to the tarot for copyright issues in the 19th century. The meaning does not change because it is upside down or reversed.

Tarot cards have been used for many centuries to help guide people in their lives and to help them understand the emotional issues influencing their lives. Tarot can be used to bring insight and understanding to personal and professional situations. Working with the tarot regularly can help you to be aware of changes in your life and to use opportunities for the better. The tarot is a form of fortune-telling or predicting events. The correct term is divination. You do not need any special skill to work with the tarot, but you need to have an open mind and allow the cards to form a story in the way they are laid. A reading of the cards will give answers and advise on how to handle and approach your life. When I perform a reading for my clients, I ask them to shuffle the cards on the table to commence the reading. A reading is different for each person, as everyone has unique and varied problems and lessons in their journey of life. The cards work on a very personal and emotional level, tapping into your higher self or subconscious mind. The cards bring out the positive and negative aspects surrounding you. When I do a reading I do not ask a question, but allow the cards to describe the answers needed. The tarot may not always give the answers you expect, but will give you the information needed to look at the issues from an angle you may not have considered. However, you still have free-will and are able to control your own thoughts and actions. I believe that forewarned is forearmed and the tarot can help us make more informed choices to enrich our lives.